Bhubaneswar: In a key decision, the Odisha Cabinet today approved a budget of Rs 2687.4587 crore for four years from FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27 for smooth implementation of the ‘Special Programme for Promotion of Millets-Odisha Millet Mission’
The special programme launched in 2017 aims at comprehensive revival of millets in farms and plates to promote climate resilient farming & address micronutrient deficiency.
It emerged from a consultation between Government, Academia (NODS) and Civil Society Organisations (RRA Network, ASHA Network and local NGOs).
It is first of its kind of agriculture programme with priority on increasing consumptions in Odisha.
The programme is implemented through WSHGs/FPOs with support of NGOs and research institutions with oversight from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment. The programme is supported through State Plan and DMF.
In the first phase of implementation (2017-18), the programme was operational in 30 blocks across seven districts (Gajapati, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nuapada, and Rayagada) and is subsequently, expanded to 65 blocks in 11 districs.
In the second and third phase the programme reached out to 84 blocks in 15 districts during the year 2021-22. Further it has been extended to 142 blocks of 19 districts during 2022-23.
Currently, the Government of Odisha has increased its area of implementation from 142 blocks in 19 districts to 177 blocks in all 30 districts from 2023-24 onwards.
